REGISTERED CHARITY No 276613
## **94[th]**
## **Annual General Meeting**
**June 19[th] , 2024**
## **WELCOME**
_**The President and District Officials cordially welcome you to the**_
**94[th] Annual General Meeting of Loddon District Scout Council On Wednesday June 19[th] , 2024 At 1[st] Twyford Scout HQ**
_**The agenda for the meeting, the minutes of the last AGM and the various reports are set out in the following pages.**_
## LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL Annual General Meeting
_June 19[th] , 2024, at 8.15 pm 1[st] Twyford HQ, Loddon Hall Road, Twyford RG10 9JA_
## AGENDA
1.
2.
- Introduction and welcome
- Apologies for absence
## **3. Governance topics**
- a. To approve the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 21[st] June 2022
- b. Adopt the model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules
- c. Note the District’s financial year.
- d. Approve appointed and community members of the District Scout Council
- e. Agree the number of members that may be appointed to the Trustee Board
- f. Agree the quorum for future meetings of the District Scout Council (excluding this AGM)
4.
## **Review of the previous year**
- a. The District Lead Volunteer’s review of Scouts in Loddon District
- b. To receive and consider the Annual Report of the District Trustee Board including the annual Statement of the Accounts
## **5. Making appointments**
- a. Appoint the District Chair
- b. Appoint the District Treasurer
- c. Appoint members of the District Trustee Board, following recommendations from the open selection process initiated by the District Trustee Board
- d. To re-appoint the District President.
- e. To appoint the Scrutineer.
- f. To nominate representatives of the District Scout Council to represent the District on the County Scout Council
6. Introduce County Commissioner to say a few words.
7. **Closing remarks**
## **Minutes of the 93[rd] Annual General Meeting of the Loddon District Scout Council held on Wednesday 21[st] June 2023 in 2[nd] Woodley Scout HQ & commencing at 8.00pm**
## 1. **Introduction and welcome**
The District President, Mick Stocks, opened the meeting. He welcomed everyone especially Nigel Bevan the County Commissioner and Frank Cselik, County Training Manager.
He then said that he was most interested in the transformation process which is coming to Scouting in the near future. We, in Loddon, are part of the initial cohort for change which should take place in November this year. He said that he had seen a number of changes during his time in Scouting, some small and some more significant. There have been changes in training methods and in the uniform, and programme but the main purpose has always been to promote a way to better Scouting. We have dedicated volunteers who are providing excellent programmes for young people and who give up a huge amount of time for them.
He then thanked the District Team and the Executive committee, which will become the Trustee Board in November. He also thanked Donald for his work as Chair and for his unstinting work with the Paddicks Patch Project which has been at times very frustrating for him. He then passed the meeting over to Donald MacDonald our District Chair.
Donald replied by saying that looking around the room at the attendees he noted that between us all we have a huge number of years volunteering to Scouting. We now have an expansive family which includes the Squirrel section. We must ensure that we embrace the new changes and not cling on to the old ways.
## 2. **Apologies for absence**
Apologies were received from, Chris & Mary Fido, Tony Parker, Holly Buckell, Neil Jeffery, Ulla Swynford-Lain, Ken & Linda Peters, Joan Fahey, Malcolm Fillingham, Lynda Evans, Stuart Johnson, Pete Rogers and Paul Norris. Some 16 District members attended.
## 3.
## **Approval of Minutes of AGM held on 15[th] June 2022.**
The District Chair, Donald MacDonald, then continued chairing the meeting by saying that the minutes from last year have been reviewed by the District Executive Committee at their first meeting after the AGM and so he proposed that the minutes are taken as read and asked the District Scout Council to agree that they are a true record of that meeting. Robin Phillips and Jane Moore seconded the proposal and there was a unanimous show of hands to approve.
## 4. **Governance topics**
Donald noted to the District Scout Council members present that this part of the meeting is a necessary part to make sure that the charity’s foundations are in good order.
## a. To adopt the model constitution from policy, Organisation and Rules
In line with the recommendation from Scout Headquarters, I propose that we adopt the model constitution from Chapter 5 of the Policy, Organisation and Rules. A copy of this was sent to everyone for review and inspection prior to this meeting and copies are also available at the meeting. Jenny Lamprell seconded this proposal, and the show of hands was unanimous.
- b. To note the District’s financial year.
- Members of the District Scout Council are asked to note that our charity’s financial year is 1st April to 31st March.
- c. To agree the number of members that may be elected to the Trustee Board The District Scout Council must agree at its AGM the number of people that can be elected to the Trustee Board. The recommendation from the outgoing Trustee Board is that 6 people can be elected. The Chair proposes that the District Scout council approves that recommendation. Seconder was Linda Bowes, and the show of hands was unanimous.
- d. To agree the quorum for each of the District Scout Council (including this AGM), meetings of the District Trustee Board, meetings of any subcommittees.
The District Scout council must agree at its AGM the quorum – the minimum number of District Scout Council members that must be present at a meeting of the District Scout Council. The recommendation from the outgoing Trustee Board is that the quorum should be set at 4 persons. The District Scout Council is asked to approve that recommendation. The seconder was Chas Randle and the show of hands unanimous.
The District Scout Council must agree at its AGM the quorum for Trustee Board meetings, and any sub-committee meetings. The Charity Commission statement of good practice is that the Trustee Board quorum should be set at one third of Trustee Board members plus one and that the sub-committee quorum should be set at one third of Trustee Board members plus one. The recommendation from the outgoing Trustee Board is that the quorum should be set at the Charity Commission good practice statement. The District Scout Council is asked to approve that recommendation. The seconder was Linda Bowes and the show of hands unanimous.
## 5. **Review of the previous year**
The chair noted to the District Scout Council members present that this part of the meeting was the opportunity to reflect of the activities of the past year.
## a. **The District Commissioner’s review of Scouting in Loddon District**
In addition to his written report Geoff said that he wanted to highlight the new Squirrel section. Loddon now has three Squirrel Dreys, and all are going very well. It helps us to expand and gives younger children the opportunity to start off in Scouting. He said he knew that some leaders are unsure about starting up the Squirrel section and recommended that they visited some of the new Dreys to see what goes on. 3[rd] Woodley has some Squirrels who are moving up into Beavers so will have space for new Squirrels to join. One of the Beaver sections at Wargrave, which has been dormant for a while, has recently reopened and 5[th] Woodley has recently reopened their 2[nd ] Beaver Colony. There is a 2[nd] Scout Troop at 1[st] Woodley and the new Muslim Cub Pack at 1[st] Lower Earley is very successful with a new Muslim Scout Troop opening in September. The Wednesday Explorer Unit at Aldryngton School has had to close due to the ill health of the leader.
- Looking towards the transformation changes and we are trialling a welcome package for new leaders.
He then thanked everyone in the District for all their hard work. He said that all had bounced back with enthusiasm. There has been a steady stream of activity and nights away notifications. He also thanked the Trustee Board for all their support and asked if there were any questions.
Linda Bowes asked if we could look at a way of following up on children who leave scouting at an early age to see if they would like to rejoin at a later date?
Geoff noted that we would need to keep their details for future reference in a safe way, he suggested bringing it up at the next GSL meeting.
The Chair then thanked The DC for his report
## **b. To receive and consider the Annual Report of the District Trustee Board including the annual statement of the Accounts.**
The Chairman said that the District Trustee Board had approved the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts, and the Accounts, and the report on the accounts had been received from the Scrutineer. He then asked the District Treasurer to give his explanation of the Statement of Accounts.
The treasurer added to his report by saying that there was a surplus of £10,800, almost all of which comes from the Explorer’s fundraising efforts. It is offset by the cost of running Paddick Patch which cost £4000 to run last year. It is becoming a drain on the District. There was obviously no Covid Grant this year but we did gain £1000 interest on the monies invested which goes towards the new building at Paddicks Patch. He then asked if there were any questions.
Jane Moore asked him why Cubs and Beavers monies are lumped together and asked if they could be produced separately next year, which Simon agreed to.
The Chair then thanked Simon for all his hard work on the accounts and for sorting out the Gift Aid reclamation.
## 6. **Making Appointments**
The Chair noted to the District Scout Council member present that this part of the meeting sets the charity up to be well-led during the period until the next AGM. Particularly, the District Scout Council appoints a Trustee Board to ensure good governance for the charity over the next year.
## a. To re-appoint the District President
The Chair noted that appointments as District President is made by the District Scout Council. He advised that Mick Stocks had been proposed as President and asked for a show of hands to reapprove. This was unanimous. He then thanked Mick for his support throughout the year.
- b. The Chair then noted that there were no other persons to be admitted to the membership of the Scout Council at present.
- c. To approve the District Commissioner’s nomination of the District Chair
The Chair then handed chairmanship of the meeting to the DC who nominated Donald MacDonald as District Chair and asked for a show of hands as approval which was unanimous.
## d. Election of the District Secretary
The District Secretary is an elected appointment and, as required, Helen Price has been formally proposed and seconded. Since there were no other nominations by the closing date a show of hands is required to approve Helen’s election. This was unanimous. The Chair then thanked Helen for her support throughout the year.
## e. Election of the District Treasurer
The District Treasurer is an elected appointment and, as required, Simon Roberts has been formally proposed and seconded. Since there were no other nominations by the closing date a show of hands is required to approve Simon’s election. This was unanimous. The Chair then thanked Simon for his support throughout the year.
## f. Elections of members to the District Trustee Board
The secretary then said that the following had been formally proposed and seconded in writing by the due date: -
Jenny Lamprell as DDC
Robin Phillips as District Safety Adviser
## g. To approve the District Commissioner’s nominations to the District Trustee Board
No nominations at present.
## h. To appoint the Scrutineer.
The Treasurer then proposed Mike Waddelove as scrutineer for the next year. The Chair then said that Mike Waddelove had been proposed and seconded and is qualified for the role. He asked for a show of hands to approve Mike Waddelove’s nomination. This was unanimous.
- i. To nominate representatives of the District Scout Council to represent the District on the County Scout Council
We are required to nominate at least 1 person as District Representatives to the County Scout Council. Tom Toy has been proposed and seconded. He asked for a show of hands to approve the nomination. This was unanimous. He then thanked Tom for standing once again.
## 7. **The Chair then introduced Nigel Bevan the County Commissioner who**
## **gave his review.**
He began by picking up on Linda Bowes’ question earlier and said that we shouldn’t expect people to stay throughout every Scouting section and that they should know that they would be welcome to rejoin at a later date if they chose to, but agreeing a method to follow up those that leave scouting is worth considering.
He said that Squirrels were sprouting up all over and opening Dreys seems to be easier than opening other sections. Parents are keen to help so the hope is that many will progress through to help with other sections as their children progress. Loddon has seen a large increase in leaders and in membership, we still have huge waiting lists.
He said that he had been to a growth and development forum and had been pleased to see that the 1[st] Lower Earley Muslim Section was being promoted as a successful development.
There are lots of activities planned, including the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea, this year, which Loddon has 15 people attending; there are 70 people ready to go to Project Africa; and the next WINGS Camp will be in 2026.
We are in the early stages of the transformation and part of it will be the new technology, with more information available in September. The new ideas should make it easier to volunteer and the teams should spread the workload more evenly. Training now becomes “learning”, and the wood badges will become optional. By March next year there will be a lead volunteer meeting and in April there will be a team leader meeting. We start our early adoption of the process in November.
Many thanks to everyone for their contributions to Scouting especially to Geoff, Jenny, and Donald for all their hard work.
The Chair then thanked Nigel for his strong leadership and for the support of the County team. He closed the meeting at 8.48 and thanked Chas for his hospitality and for hosting the AGM.
8. The next AGM is due to take place on 19th June 2024.
## **District Lead Volunteer Report**
Loddon District and its constituent Groups has enjoyed another the good year of Scouting with all sorts of activities being organised by the various sections including lots of what I call adventurous activities – Water and Land based including Archery, Rifle Shooting, Canoeing, Paddle Boarding, Climbing and Abseiling as well as Hikes of various distances. There have also been a lot of Nights Away events organised for all sections from Beavers to Network including some aboard in Belgium. We have one Explorer Scout going to Roverway in Norway and at least two Leaders taking part in this year’s County Expedition to Malawi. The District continues the grow; Our three Squirrel Dreys are going from strength to Strength with two Dreys at 5[th] Woodley and one at 3[rd] Woodley I hope in the coming year we will see more Squirrel Dreys opening around d the District. 1[st] Woodley have opened a second Beaver Colony in recent months.
Welcome to Loddon to all the new Squirrels and Beavers and thank you to all those Adults who have joined us as Leaders and Helpers.
Explorer Scouts remain strong with three meeting nights through the week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in both Woodley (all based at Paddicks Patch). Thank you to Stuart Johnson and the Explorer Leaders for all your work with the Section.
Loddon is one of the few Districts in Berkshire to have an active Scout Network thanks Malcolm Fillingham Network Commissioner and his team.
Supporting the groups are Section District teams (ADC’s/District Leaders, Activities ADC) the District Board of Trustees, Adult Training Support, Scout Shop and Badges, and the Paddicks Patch team. All of whom have continued to support at both Group and District level.
In the last year I have had the privilege and honour to present various Long Service Awards including Chief Scouts Commendations and Awards for Merit and Wood Badges across the District.
We are now moving ahead with the transition to more teams based working and also replacing the appointments committee (AAC) with Welcome Conversations organised in the Groups and supported by the District the aim is to streamline the process for new adult volunteers and to make it a more welcoming experience. We will also see teams introduced including a Programme Team led by Sarah Barrow (from 3[rd] Woodley) Development Team led by Jenny Lamprell and 14-25 Team led by Stuart Johnson. We have a vacancy for a Support Team Lead so have a chat with me if you would like to get involved and find out more about this role.
New digital membership management and adult training tools are being introduced and a new way of Adult Learning including Growing Roots and the New Wood Badge.
Thank you to our District President Mick Stocks and to the County team lead by Nigel Bevan County Lead Volunteer for your support to both Loddon District and Berkshire County. Finally, I would like to thank Jenny Miller who has recently stepped up to be joint District Lead Volunteer with myself, Donald Macdonald District Chair, Helen Price District Secretary, Ulla Swynford Lain Appointments Secretary, Simon Roberts District Treasurer, Jane More Local Training Administrator and Robin Phillips District Safety Manager for all your work and support for Loddon District during this last year
## **Geoff Barnes District Lead Volunteer Loddon District**
## **District Chairman’s Report**
Another year flies by and Scouting continues to flourish around these parts. We are providing excellent opportunities for young people and adults alike to develop skills and enjoy the company and friendship of others.
We are fortunate to have strong leadership at all levels within our number and this means we can deliver fulfilling and exciting programmes.
Whatever your role in Loddon District, on behalf of the District Trustee Board, thank you so much for everything that you do.
**Donald MacDonald District Chair of Trustees**
## **LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL DISTRICT TREASURER’S REPORT Y/E 31/03/2024**
The district accounts for 2023/24 have been prepared as required by the Charities Act 2011.
Total Assets stood at £128,331 as at 31st March 2024 (£120,565 31/3/23).
The bank balance includes restricted funds totalling £64,290 which are used for specific purposes. Details of individual funds can be found in the Notes to the Accounts statement.
A surplus of Income over Expenditure of £7,766 was generated.
The Scout Shop generated a surplus of £2,118 compared to £3,770 previously and Explorers generated a surplus of £5,193 (22/23 £7,774). The Scout group has reduced its account balance during the year by subsidising and prepaying events. The District continues to subsidise the use of Paddicks Patch for the benefit of local groups to the extent of £2,164 this year.
The District Executive Committee considers that the district should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs in reserve and we continue to meet this requirement.
The Paddicks Patch Project continues, and some minor expenditure (£3,598) has been incurred to ensure planning permission is maintained.
The Receipts and Payment account and a Statement of Assets and Liabilities for Loddon District Scout Council can be viewed in the attachments to this report.
We thank all the Group Treasurers, Group Scout Leaders and Trustees for their continued support.
**Simon Roberts District Treasurer**
## **LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL Receipts and Payments Account Summary for the year ended 31st March 2024 Charity No. 276613**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2023/24 2023/24 2023/24 2022/23
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds
£ £ £ £
Total receipts for year 55,269 1,893 57,162 50,007
Total payments for year end 44,404 4,992 49,396 39,214
Net of receipts/(payments) for year 10,865 (3,099) 7,766 10,793
Transfer between funds - - - -
10,865 (3,099) 7,766 10,793
Cash, bank & other net assets b/fwd 53,176 67,389 120,565 109,772
Cash, bank & other net assets c/fwd 64,041 64,290 128,331 120,565
Summary of Assets and Liabilities at 31st March 2024
2023/24 2023/24 2023/24 2022/23
Unrestricted Restricted
MONETARY ASSETS Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds
£ £ £ £
Bank Balances 70,397 64,290 134,687 137,365
Cash In Hand 98 - 98 98
70,495 64,290 134,785 137,463
OTHER MONETARY ASSETS
- - - -
Debts due from Group
NON-MONETARY ASSETS
Scout Shop Stock 11,239 - 11,239 10,352
81,734 64,290 146,024 147,815
LIABILITIES -prepaid subs & other adv pymts 17,693 - 17,693 27,250
Net Assets 64,041 64,290 128,331 120,565
The above Receipts and Payment Account and Summary of Asset and Liabilities were approved
by the Trustees on and signed on their behalf
Donald MacDonald District Chair
Helen Price District Secretary
Simon Roberts District Treasurer
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL Receipts and Payments Account**
|**Receipts for the year ended 31st March 2024**|**Receipts for the year ended 31st March 2024**|||
|---|---|---|---|
|**2023/24**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
**RECEIPTS**
**Donations, legacies and similar**
**income**
Membership subscriptions
62,998
Less: Membership subscriptions paid
on (National/County/Area/District)
(56,589)
Net membership subscriptions
retained
6,409
Donations
-
Gift Aid
-
Other similar income/Legacy
-
**Sub total**
6,409
**Grants**
Paddicks Patch Project
-
International Fund
-
Berkshire Scouts Jamboree
-
**Sub total**
-
**Fundraising (gross)**
Cubs/Beavers
-
Scouts
2,967
Explorer
38,446
Scout Active Support Unit
-
Paddicks Patch
2,162
Other District fundraising events
-
**Sub total**
43,575
**Investment income**
Bank interest(COIF)
3,167
Scout Shop
2,118
**Sub total**
5,285
**_Total Gross Income_**55,269
**To COIF a/c**
-
**_Total Receipts_**55,269|**2023/24**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
500
500
-
1,105
-
1,105
288
-
-
-
-
288
-
-
-
-
-
1,893
-
1,893|**2023/24**
**Total funds**
**£**
**62,998**
**(56,589)**
**6,409**
**-**
**-**
**500**
**6,909**
**-**
**1,105**
**-**
**1,105**
**288**
**2,967**
**38,446**
**-**
**2,162**
**-**
**43,863**
**3,167**
**2,118**
**-**
**-**
**5,285**
**57,162**
**-**
**57,162**|**2022/23**
**Total funds**
**£**
_56,842_
_(52,685)_
_4,157_
_-_
_-_
_500_
4,657
_-_
_-_
_-_
-
_984_
_4,373_
_33,489_
_-_
_1,599_
_-_
40,445
_1,135_
_3,770_
_-_
_-_
4,905
**50,007**
_-_
_50,007_|
## **LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL Receipts and Payments Account**
|**Payments for the year ended 31st**|**Payments for the year ended 31st**|**March 2024**|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**PAYMENTS**
**Charitable Payments**
Premises - Paddicks Patch
Premises - Scout Shop
Section Expenses
International Fund
AGM and trustee expenses
Insurance
Independent Examiners Fees
Adult support and training
General Expenses
WSJ23 Grants
Fundraising Fees
Paddicks Patch Project
Berkshire Scouts Jamboree
**Sub total**
**Section Activities**
Cubs/Beavers
Scouts
Explorer Scouts
Scout Active Support Unit
Other fundraising costs- District
Events
**Sub total**
**_Total Gross Expenditure_**
To COIF a/c
**_Total Payments_**
**_Net of receipts/(payments)_**
**Transfers between funds**
**Net assets last year end**
**_Net assets this year end_**|**2023/24**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
3,315
385
-
-
1,191
261
27
-
355
-
-
5,534
-
5,617
33,253
-
-
38,870
44,404
44,404
10,865
53,176
64,041|**2023/24**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
1,011
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,598
-
4,609
383
-
-
-
-
383
4,992
-
4,992
- 3,099
67,389
64,290|**2023/24**
**Total funds**
**£**
**4,326**
**385**
**-**
**-**
**1,191**
**261**
**27**
**-**
**355**
**-**
**-**
**3,598**
**-**
**10,143**
**383**
**5,617**
**33,253**
**-**
**-**
**39,253**
**49,396**
**-**
**49,396**
**7,766**
**-**
**120,565**
**128,331**|**2022/23**
**Total funds**
**£**
_5,696_
_386_
_-_
_-_
_1,188_
_248_
_35_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_7,553_
_884_
_3,968_
_25,715_
_770_
_324_
_31,661_
_39,214_
_-_
_39,214_
_10,793_
_-_
_109,772_
_120,565_|
## **LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL**
|**Statement of assets and liabilities**|**Statement of assets and liabilities**|**as at 31st March 2024**|**as at 31st March 2024**||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Cash funds**
Bank-Loddon District Scout Council
Bank- COIF Deposit Fund
Bank- Scout Shop Account
Bank- District Scout Account
Bank- Explorer Scout Account
Bank-Loddon Scout Active Support
Cash/Floats
**Total cash funds**
**Other monetary assets**
Tax claim
Debts due from the
County/Area/District/Group
Insurance claim
**Sub total**
**Investment assets**
Other investments - detail
**Sub total**
**Non monetary assets for**
**charity's own use**
Shop items & Badges stock
Other
**Sub total**
**Liabilities**
Accounts not yet paid
Expenses incurred but not invoiced
Subscriptions paid in advance
Loan - detail
Other liabilities
**Sub total**
**_Net assets_**|**2023/24**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
38,497
8,728
3,427
183
17,299
2,263
98
70,495
-
-
-
-
-
-
11,239
-
11,239
-
-
17,693
-
-
17,693
64,041|**2023/24**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
4,701
59,589
-
-
-
-
64,290
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
64,290|**2023/24**
**Total funds**
**£**
**43,198**
**68,317**
**3,427**
**183**
**17,299**
**2,263**
**98**
**134,785**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**11,239**
**-**
**11,239**
**-**
**-**
**17,693**
**-**
**-**
**17,693**
**128,331**|**2022/23**
**Total funds**
**£**
_50,318_
_65,150_
_4,695_
_2,833_
_12,106_
_2,263_
_98_
_137,463_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_10,352_
_-_
_10,352_
_-_
_-_
_21,774_
_-_
_5,476_
_27,250_
_120,565_|
## **NON-MONETARY ASSETS**
|(based on insurance values)
Buildings
Contents&Equipment
Trailers|Explorer Scouts
20,000
46,520
8,254|Loddon District-
Paddicks&Shop
77,823
29,286
-|
|---|---|---|
## **LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL**
## **Notes to accompany the Accounts for the year ended 31[st] March 2024**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting by Charities 2005 (SORP 2005), the Charities Act 1996 and applicable accounting standards.
## **2** . **MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS**
The gross figure includes subscriptions due to Headquarters and County.
## **3. DONATIONS / GRANT / SIMILAR INCOME**
The amount of £500 was received as a donation towards the PP Project.
## **4. INTERNATIONAL FUND**
The funds remain unchanged, and no requests have been received.
## **5. FUNDS**
Unrestricted funds represent the funds of this Council that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the Council are deemed as restricted funds and are summarised below. The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which this Council is responsible in law. The total Restricted Funds for the year are £64,290.
||**Restricted Fund**
**Balances as at 31st March**
**2024**|**International**
**Fund**|**Beavers**
**a/c**|**Paddicks**
**Patch**
**Fund**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||£3,821|£557|£59,911|
## **6. PADDICKS PATCH**
This wooded area of land in Waingels Road was donated to Loddon District Scouts in 1982 by Sidney Paddick for use as a camp site. In September 1990, a prefabricated building was donated by Barclays Bank and erected on the site. This is now the Loddon District Headquarters. The building will be reconstructed, and detailed planning work is currently being undertaken following receipt of full planning permission.
## **7** . **SECTIONS**
The District Scout Explorers, Scout Active Support Unit and District Scouts maintain separate accounts. The District Cub and Beaver funds are included as restricted funds within the main account.
## **8. LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT SHOP**
Scout shop items have been valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The Scout Shop maintains a separate account. The shop made a contribution of £2,118 to District funds in the year.
## **9** . **TRUSTEE EXPENSES**
Trustees received expenses totalling £1,191 in the year to 31/3/24.
## **10. PUBLIC INTEREST**
The District Council meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings. The Trustees have had regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission when deciding upon the activities for the year.
Independent Examinerfs report to the trustees of LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT
COUNCIL
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31st March 2024.
Respective responslbllllles of truslees and examinLY
The charity's trustees are responsible for the eparati of the accounts. The charity's trustees
consider that an audrf(5s not required for this year under section 14412) of the Charities Act 2011
(the 2011 Act} and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
examine the accounts under section 145 ofthe 2011 Act
to follow the procedures Faid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission
under s8Ction 145 (Sllb} of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed
all the applicable Directions given by the Charity CoMmi10n under section 145{5}Ib) of th8
Act
to state whether parbcular matters have CO to my attention.
Independent Examinefs statsment
I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matter5 have come to my attention in
connection with the examination giving me cause to beIVe that in any material respect
accounting records were not kept in pecI of the Trust as ruld by section 130 of the
Act, or
2. the accLsunts do not awd wilh those rwds.
I have no cOnm5 and have con* auoss no other matter5 in cvnneclK¢n wth the examination to
whl¢h attention should be drawn in this rewrt in order to enable a proper understanding of the
accounts to be hed.
Name:
Signed..
Address
Dale..
## Section Reports
## **Squirrels**
We have 3 squirrel dreys in Loddon at present. 2 at 5[th] Woodley and 1 at 3[rd] Woodley. This year 8 Squirrels achieved the acorn award which is the top award for Squirrels. They have been active doing a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Several other groups are looking at opening squirrel dreys in the near future.
## **Beavers**
Beavers continue to run successfully, also covering a wide variety of activities. The Christmas party is a District event and was very successful. 65 Chief Scout Bronze awards were earned this year.
## **Cubs**
Cubs are also very busy with both indoor and outdoor activities. A number of summer camps took place, and all were very successful. 56 Silver awards were achieved this year.
## **Scouts**
## We did STUFF!
Around the District, and alongside the usual ‘Scouty’ things, the SEVENTEEN Scout Troops in 12 Scout Groups did Air Rifle Shooting, Archery, Bell Ringing, Birdbox making, Climbing, Coral Reef visit, Crazy Golf, Cycling, Dragon boating, Expedition training, Fireworks, Geocaching, Orienteering, Paddle boarding, Pinewood Raceway visit, Pontoon building, Rafting, Sailing, Swimming, Ten-Pin Bowling, Thorpe Park visit AND a few Three Towers Hikes!
The Troops also offered 88 nights away on 34 camps to 632 Scouts! (well, that’s what you quoted on your Nights Away Notifications you submitted!!!)
So, stick in a couple of District Murray Plate events, which included a ‘small?’ (I lie, biggest ever!) Great Breakfast Chase, and shoehorn in a District Raft race, by any measure, it definitely felt like it was a busy year!
## MURRAY PLATE
This year the Plate is shared by 5th Woodley and 1st Lower Earley. Congratulations to you both.
Last year’s District Raft race didn’t happen due to a lack of permit holders. The reliance on external qualified instructors would have made the event too expensive, so it’s great that enough Leaders from around the District recently completed a course, and we now have more rafting permit holders. So, this year’s event which is on June 15 (after the writing of this report)
## GREAT BREAKFAST CHASE (GBC)
GBC at Rushall Farm – This is what 186 Scouts and Explorers looks like!
If you thought that last year’s GBC was big, this year’s one was even bigger! 186 Scouts and Explorers descended (more like invaded) Rushall Farm near Bradfield College just off the M4 Jnct 12.
The route was best described as ‘challenging’ with the greatest number of retirees or lost teams. Fortunately, they all had trackers, which did provide some much-needed light relief for the organisers at 2am watching some of the teams go round in circles, before being put back on the right track.
Congratulations to RED Mike (5th Woodley) for winning the Scout event, and BLUE November (1st Twyford) for winning the Time Trial in 2:49 hours, which was nearly 2 hours quicker than the average!
Our friendly Explorers only entered 4 Teams this year, with BLUE Papa wining their event and BLUE Oscar the Time trial with an impressive time of 2:17 hours! I look forward to seeing what you’ve done to ‘customise’ your new 2 trophies this year!!!
Our greatest challenge is finding venues big enough to house nearly 250 Scouts, Explorers and Leaders, it was clear that Rushall Farm was struggling a bit, and I would like to thank the neighbours for their patience and the small amount of locally collected wood!!!
It’s probably just as well that County had also organised a Jamboree get together for their units that weekend, or we could have had over 200 young people! (eek!)
Surely this year’s one can’t be bigger? And as always, my grateful thanks to ALL of you that helped to make it an amazing event. Cooking Competition
With a theme of Coronation (couldn’t be anything else, could it?), 7 teams from 4 Troops took up the challenge at Paddicks Patch (just before the condemning of the building, but that wasn’t our fault, even if I did try to burn the building down!)
As always, the standard and quality of all the food produced was exceptional! – The (professional) chef / judges were all impressed how it was produced on a simple 2-burner gas-hob.
Congratulations to the winning Patrol from 1st Lower Earley.
## Other News
We held another District master at arms course at Twyford with 4 Troops (and 2 Cubs) taking part. And yet again went to the National Scout Archery Competition (NSAC) this time our secret weapon (the Cubs), as well as the Scouts and Explorers, winning yet more trophies and medals (I even won one, finally, and so did one of the Cubs!).
Loddon Cubs, Scouts & Explorers at NSAC
## Final Comments
The Chief Scout Award prizes (now called ‘Head Socks!) are continuing to spread around the District, for the Scouts who gain the award. 25 gold awards were presented this year which is no mean achievement. CONGRATULATIONS to all who have worked so hard to achieve this.
Finally, without you Leaders, Helpers, Team Members (or whatever you are called) none of this could be possible, so a MASSIVE THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has helped this past year. Always too many to mention, but you are VERY MUCH appreciated. **�**
Pete Rogers Scouts
## **Explorers**
There were 0 top awards at Explorer level although we have 3 successful units who are all busy with various different projects.
## **Network**
At the start of the year some Network members joined the Explorers on the summer expedition to Scotland walking on Skye and dancing in Edinburgh. Throughout the year a few small events have occurred including socials and walking in the Brecon Beacons. In May this year Network Leaders and members again joined the Explorers in their first International trip to Belgium to take part in the Ypres 100km festival of walking.
During the year, Josh McBain, Stephen Adams, Amiee Wallace and Lizzie Davies attending the garden party at Buckingham Palace to receive their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Patrick Fillingham attended the annual St Georges Day at Windsor Castle to receive his Queens Scouts Award.
## **Malcolm Fillingham Network**
## **Active Support**
Our District Active Support Unit will be discontinued after the transition so we have decided that we will continue to meet up for lunch on the third Thursday of alternate months so that we don’t lose touch with each other.
We have been meeting in the Wee Waif, but a few people couldn’t make a Thursday, so we are meeting at the Good Companions pub in Woodley on the third Tuesday of the intervening alternate month.
Anyone who would like to join us would be very welcome. The next lunch is booked for Thursday 18[th] July at the Wee Waif.
**Helen Price**
## **Safety Report**
Premises safety audits have been carried out at the Scout Shop, 2[nd] Woodley and 1[st] Woodley during the past year.
Only minor physical issues were found at each of the premises. In the Scout Shop these related to ease of egress through the fire exit and the placement of some fire extinguishers. Following on from the inspection concerns have been raised about the external lighting of the access ramp during dark winter evenings. Externally there is a bulkhead fitting light. This should be replaced with a modern LED spotlight provided sufficient height can be found to prevent undue glare. 2[nd] Woodley has had considerable work done to the internal wall cladding, the flat roof and the electrical installation. Issues found related to the use and installation of extension socket wiring through the kitchen wall into the “leaders’ room” and in the “computer area”. The 1[st] Woodley building is in good condition benefiting from the installation of a new kitchen (some sink drainage pipes still to be connected at time of inspection). Some wiring needs tidying by the main hall fire exit door and PAT testing has not been carried out as required. Records were not available at the time of the visit to confirm gas safety, fire alarm tests, evacuation drills and accident recording. Relocation of cleaning chemicals to a secure area that does not require ladder access would be a sensible improvement. A return visit will be arranged to check paper records.
Currently within the District there is no member of the County PAT Testing team. If there is a volunteer with some basic electrical knowledge who feels able to undertake this role, I will be happy to provide the necessary training.
There is a County Safety Team meeting on the 18[th] June to discuss the future of the organisation of safety responsibilities within the County. Currently safety has a very high priority at National level in the aftermath of the “Great Orme” tragedy. We can expect changes in safety requirements continue to be introduced this year.
## **Robin Phillips Safety Co-ordinator**
## **LODDON DISTRICT SCOUT SHOP**
Total sales for the year were £26,978 of which £17,990 (67%) was for Loddon District, £8,196 (30%) was Wokingham and £792 (3%) was other. This was about 4% down on last year. As the Bracknell Scout Shop has now closed, and we have noticed that a few more customers are coming to us from their area.
Badge sales of £12,753 represented 46% of the turnover, of which Loddon groups purchased £7,858 Wokingham £4,652 and others £243.
Several groups pay for badges by direct bank transfer, which saves us paying any bank charges. General purchases are predominantly paid by card for which we incurred £262 in transaction fees.
The sale of uniform continues to be steady, mostly at the start of term, but it is obvious that some parents are preferring the convenience of purchasing online direct from Scout store. We were able to return £1,366 to groups in the form of rebates and transferred £2,500 surplus funds to the District.
As in previous years we would appreciate more help with serving at the shop, particularly on Saturday mornings. We do not allocate more than 3 sessions per term to our already busy helpers, so we are having to cover the rest.
**Barbara and Ian Loring**